Patient information factsheet
Anti-embolism stockings
This factsheet contains important information about why you are wearing anti-embolism stockings
(AES) and how to wear and care for them safely.
Anti-embolism stockings are made from elastic and can be either thigh or knee length.
They reduce the risk of blood clots by gently compressing your legs. This increases the blood flow and prevents
your leg veins from expanding, which stops blood pooling in your legs and forming a clot.
Wearing the stockings
It is important that your legs are measured accurately using a fitting chart before applying stockings.
This should be done by an appropriately trained member of the nursing team.
If the size of your leg changes, or the stockings become uncomfortable, your leg should be re-measured and
the need for stockings reviewed.
Thigh-length stockings are first choice within this hospital as they give greater protection against clots.
However, knee-length stockings will be used in certain types of surgery or if thigh-length stockings will not
fit correctly or comfortably.
The stockings should be worn day and night during your stay in hospital. At home, you should wear them
until you return to your normal or improved level of mobility. When you are discharged, your nurse will give
you further advice regarding this.
Stockings should be removed for no longer than 30 minutes every day. Your legs should be washed and
inspected for damage and skin discolouration or soreness.
Stockings should be changed and washed every two to three days and a fresh pair applied.
Do not allow your stockings to roll down as this will create a tight band causing constriction and affect your
blood flow.
Avoid using greasy ointments, oils and lanolins on your skin as this damages the stockings’ elastic fibres.
When moving around, please make sure you are wearing slippers or shoes as the stockings can be very
slippery on hard floors.
These stockings can be difficult to put on. Therefore, the elderly and people with a disability may need some
help from a carer or relative.
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Patient information factsheet
Putting on the stockings
•Insert your hand into the stocking as far as the heel
•Keeping your hand inside, turn the stocking inside out to the heel
•Position the stocking over the foot. Ensure the heel is centred in the heel pocket marked on the stocking
•Providing the heel fits, the inspection hole will be under the foot. In some cases, the stocking overlaps the
foot and this is acceptable
•Pull the stocking up and fit around the ankle and calf
•Pull the remaining stocking up to its full length and ensure there are no wrinkles
•For full-length stockings, ensure the stocking fits to allow the knee to bend and the thigh gusset sits in the
middle, on the inside thigh.
Washing instructions
The stockings should be washed every two to three days. They can be washed with a mixed load of white
garments on a standard 40° wash cycle.
The use of bleach should be avoided.
Stockings may be spun in a short spin cycle, but should not be wrung out by hand as this can damage the
elastic fibres.
Dry at room temperature or tumble dry at a low to moderate heat. The stockings should not be hung over the
radiator to dry.
With correct care, stockings should last two to three months (approximately 30 washes).
Further information
If you require any further information, or have any queries about your stockings, please ask the nurse or
doctor looking after you.
If you need a translation of this document, an interpreter
or a version in large print, Braille or on audio tape, please
telephone 023 8079 4688 for help.
Version 1. Published January 2013. Due for review January 2016. VTE001.01
www.uhs.nhs.uk